Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Under the bench space
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
So as to not detract from focus on the handsome chest described below I am posting this related question separate.
While it appears common for the space under a bench to become filled with storage, I value this open space as open space. I seem to do a lot of work sitting at the bench with the front of the shelf below as a foot rest. I gather sitting at the bench is not common? How many have stools in their shop that you use with regularity??
Re: Under the bench space
Chuck Hans
I do use a stool and sit at my bench. I have to say though that I am unable to stand for more than a few minutes due to bad back pain. I use part of the space under the bench for storage though.
I find that i can work pretty well sitting down and when relaxed I can do a little better work.
At my age I will take all the shop time I can get and I prefer pain free.
Re: Under the bench space
David Yoho
I have an old step stool I keep in my shop that's handy for tasks such as getting something down from the top of a cabinet or shelf. I also use it at my free-standing bench to sit on when I'm drawing or working on something where I want to be closer to what I'm doing. I find it comfortable to rest my feet on a stretcher that runs between two of the bench legs.
I had thoughts of adding some kind of cabinet beneath the bench for additional storage and weight but never followed through with it. Honestly, I like the open space below mine as well.
Re: Under the bench space
Buck Nall
BACK PAIN: I turned over a V8 engine block at 13 yrol and sliped disc in my back
Was all most 16 fore ?carapactor? Dr in Dogulas,Ga. put that disc in place, had to
go bac couple/three times before it would stay in place.
I'm shore U done tried all these things, but jess maybe somebody out there in
radio land will go find one & gets some relief. Kant ?spell? went thru 6th grade!!
Re: Under the bench space
Jim DeLaney, Austintown, Ohio
I have a swivel chair type stool at my bench. I probably sit as often as I stand at the bench. Bench is 38" high, btw.
Re: Under the bench space
Joe Fleming
I have four stools in my shop and I use them all frequently. My wife bought me an adjustable height shop stool a few years ago for Christmas. I would not have bought it myself, but I find I like the adjusting and swivel seat. I have two 3-legged stools I made at the lathe that I use all of the time. If not for sitting, then for temporary, horizontal storage space. I also have an old Target 4 legged stool that is the least comfortable. If is mostly horizontal storage near the lathe.
Re: Under the bench space
Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)
Bill, I only occasionally sit at the bench to work - I recall sitting to set the teeth on saws. I prefer standing when as I need to move my body into position, and this is restricted when sitting. I do like sitting at the bench, but this is to ponder and reflect, rather than to work.
The only advantage of an open bench for me has been a place to store bench accessories. Space is limited and an issue for me. The reason I have filled the space with a cabinet is to store tools closer to hand, as well as reducing some of the clutter .... I like placing tools on the wall nearby, but it is a not-so-fine-line between "everything in its place" and "everything in the space".
Regards from Perth
Derek
Re: Under the bench space
Oskar
I agree with you in principle, I would love having a simple stool for sitting down at the bench, and to have clear space under the bench for a few planes, offcuts and clamps. But I have no space for a stool and want to use the room under the benchtop to remove cluttered tools from elsewhere.
In a future, bigger shop I´d like to free that bench space, and build a stool.
"open space"... what's that?
Pat Evans
In my tiny shop there's no such thing as open space. In fact, nearly everything is on wheels and I have to move something to do anything. Space under the bench is for cutoffs. I have an old swivel bar stool with built in foot rest that I use when sitting at the bench.
Perch
Jack Guzman from Maine
I use a perch. A stool designed by Peter Galbert with a forward leaning seat. Some operations have to be done standing but when possible I use the perch at my bench.
picture?
picture
Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)
I also use a perch-inspired stool, as designed by Peter Galbert. It is very ergonomic and comfortable. Here is a photo taken several months ago. Stool on the left, not those on the bench) ...
regards from Perth
Derek
Re: picture
Buck Nall
Last auto parts house I bought from gave me a counter
stool when I retired, just rite fer me, its round with 3 steel legs.
Re: picture?
Jack Guzman from Maine
Re: Perch vs. Sitapon
Mark Mandell - Gone Round In New Jersey
Mine doubles between the shop bench and the log splitter. 
Designer unknown
[Yo, the base in wood! 
]
NM: It Even Has A Handle To Move It
Re: Handled
Mark Mandell - Gone Round In New Jersey
Hey, I don't believe in doing things half way!
Thought about a finish, but just couldn't come up with a color that wouldn't clash.
Re: Under the bench space
al morgan
I have three stools in my shop. One I built my self, and it generally is a fine book stand, and snack holder. The other two stools, work similarly...but sometimes in a great while I use them to sit and watch the cnc...but not at the same time. The reason I got them was for all the people that where going to come and sit in my shop....never happend! LOL.
Re: Handled
kneale brownson
Now I need to find a pail with a nicely rounded edge on the top. All my 5 galloners have a sharp corner